Moscow Mule Copper Mug

The Moscow Mule Cocktail seems to have made a comeback!  It is a good thing for it is a truly unique drink that is good year round!  Look for this yummy beverage to turn up during one of our famous culinary getaway Foodie Events……The recipe,  easy to make, must contain ginger beer to be authentic:

Moscow Mule

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 tsp. sugar syrup
• Fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
• 1 sprig fresh mint
• 1 slice of lime

Directions:  In a highball glass or a copper mug  pour vodka over ice. Add  sugar syrup and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.

For the trivia buff, here’s a little history……

The Moscow Mule was ”born” in the 1940′s and was a popular cocktail of the 50′s and 60′s.  The story goes that John G. Martin of G.F. Heublein Brothers, Inc., who bought the rights to Smirnoff in 1939 was on a mission to market his “white whiskey” as an alternative to gin.  Gin was widely popular at the time in the U.S. and vodka was not.  He met John “Jack” A. Morgan, owner of a ginger beer franchise at a bar in Los Angeles in 1941 and came up with the idea for the Moscow Mule, a mutually beneficial cocktail!  They ordered engraved copper mugs and bought one of the first Polaroid cameras.  They then began to market their new drink to bars across the country.  The two would ask bartenders to pose for a picture with their copper mug and a bottle of Smirnoff vodka.  They would then take the photo to neighboring bars to show them what the competition had to offer in hopes to get them to sell the new drink too.

Smirnoff vodka sales tripled between 1947 and 1950 with much credit going to the trendy new drink.  The name they say is for two reasons.  “Moscow” because Smirnoff began at a distillery in Moscow and vodka was considered to be mainly a Russian spirit at the time. “Mule” was because of the “kick” from the ginger beer.  The Russian connection proved to have consequences in 1950 as Americans began to connect Smirnoff with the Communist Party.   Smirnoff denied any connection as it was now an American company and the uproar eventually passed.  Vodka now out sells all other spirits in the U.S. 3 to 1 and Smirnoff is today owned by a British company.

The antioxidants found in wine can vary widely depending on the year and region in which the wine was produced. However, two other beneficial components of wine remain relatively consistent:  potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body, and alcohol, which may help raise “good” HDL cholesterol, reduce risk of blood clots, and lower blood pressure. The key to obtaining any of wine’s benefits is enjoying your favorite in moderation.

Red Wine  (5 ounces)
120 calories      180 milligrams potassium      15 grams alcohol
White Wine (5 ounces)
118 calories      101 milligrams potassium
14.6 grams alcohol

CHEERS TO YOUR HEALTH!!!

Tea is the international symbol for friendship. Tea is all about connections, as are our cooking classes at the ranch. So, my friends, let’s connect, have a nice cup of tea and whip up some great food & fun.  Harvest herbs from our gardens to make your own cup of tea!    Enjoy one of our favorite “Chai Tea” recipes below and also some interesting Tea Trivia….All teas come from the camellia family. Whether you have a white, green, oolong, or black, it doesn’t mean it is a different kind of tea; it means the makers process the same leaves differently.

White teas have the least processing and the highest anti-oxidants. They are great for your skin (reducing fine lines and wrinkles). They also prevent strep and staph infections. They are great for your immune system.

Green teas are wok fired or steamed. They are wonderful for cognitive skills. They prevent the build up of plaque on the brain which contributes to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. They can help balance blood sugar. They reduce stress hormones in the blood. They can be helpful for sleep apnea. They stimulate the metabolism and can be helpful for weight loss. They lower your chance of stroke and help the cardio vascular system. They have been shown to be helpful in preventing tumor growth in some cancers like lung, stomach, esophageal, breast, colon, and prostate. They are great for your immune system.

Oolong teas get your liver to metabolize fat which will help with weight loss. They also get your body to produce T Cells which are your fighter cells. They are wonderful mood elevators. They cut the level of triglycerides in the blood after you have eaten too much.

Black teas are wonderful for your cardio vascular system. They lower blood pressure and cholesterol. They are great for asthmatics because they open the bronchials. They are a great source of manganese so they are good for bone density and osteoporosis. They also help balance blood sugar and reduce stress hormones. If you drink milk in your tea, the milk negates the health benefits.

Pu-erh teas balance the acid/alkaline on a cellular level. They eliminate cravings and help fluid balance in the hands and feet.

Rooibos teas are naturally caffeine free. They have double the anti oxidants of green tea, and they have vitamins and minerals tea does not have. They are very anti inflammatory.

Murski Homestead “Masala Chai” Tea

Crush spices with a mortar and pestle, then transfer to a medium saucepan and add water, milk and ginger.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  remove pan from heat, cover, and set aside to let steep for 5 minutes.  Add tea and sugar, cover, and let steep for 3 minutes more.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer into 4 heatproof glasses or teacups.  to serve.  Discard solids.

Spiked Hot Lemonade

Warm lemonade and water.  Add vodka and heat to your liking.   Use a fresh Rosemary sprig for swizzling and the taste gets even better!   Pour up and enjoy!